PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology II (3)

PSY 280 Human Development: A Lifespan Perspective (3)

A study of the principles and characteristics of life-span development (birth to older adulthood) with particular
attention to physical, cognitive, psychological, moral, and faith development theories and research.

PSY 301 Research Methods in the Social Sciences (3)

This course acquaints students with experimental and non-experimental approaches and techniques used by researchers within the social sciences. In-class projects will provide hands-on experience in study design and data collection.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours in Social Sciences

PSY 302 Statistics for the Social Sciences (3)

An examination of the foundational principles and basic techniques of statistical analysis in the social sciences.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 320 Social Psychology (3)

Social psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on how humans think about, influence, and relate to one another. This course explores current research in the field of social psychology while also exploring several areas of specialization including attraction, persuasion, and prejudice.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 322 Exceptional Children (3)

An examination of the disorders and learning exceptionalities most commonly diagnosed in childhood, with a focus on how specific academic, social and cognitive difficulties and challenges affect children and adolescents in their classrooms, homes, and communities. Some attention to giftedness will be given within the context of an inclusive educational model.

Cross-listed: EDUC 322 Exceptional Children

Prerequisite(s): 6 credits of Psychology or permission of instructor

PSY 330 Theories of Personality (3)

Personality psychology is the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and functioning of differences between individuals. Why can two people react differently in the same situation? What makes up the cluster of characteristics that make you “you” as opposed to someone else? How do these differences come about? In this course, we will be studying a wide variety of approaches that psychologists have taken to examining these kinds of questions.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 336 Positive Psychology (3)

The study and analysis of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, workplace environments, and institutions. Students will examine the many possible applications and issues involved with the psychological study of how to live well.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 340 Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3)

A study of the psychological theories and concepts influencing sport, exercise, and physical activity. Drawing upon recent research in social psychology, cognitive theory, and biopsychology, some attention will be given to more specialized topics such as motivation, goal setting, performance, anxiety, aggression, and performance intervention.

Cross-listed: KIN 340 Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 350 Cognitive Psychology (3)

This course focuses on how people perceive, learn, remember, and process information. Topics of study include, for example, cognitive neuroscience, perceptions, memory, language, and human and artificial intelligence.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 351 Psychology of Counselling (3)

This course will provide the student with theoretical knowledge and praxis in counselling psychology including exposure to various contemporary theoretical approaches. Topical treatment will be given to ethics, the nature of the counsellor-client relationship, and the development of fundamental counselling skills.

Note: Students with credit for PSY 277 Psychology of Counselling may not take this course for credit

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 379 Psychology of Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics (3)

An investigation and application of social psychological theory and methodology of a variety of topics related to the
study of greater self-awareness and interpersonal interactions. Topics of study include personality development and
style of relating, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, interpersonal communication, trust and self-disclosure,
interpersonal conflict, and influence and power in interpersonal relationships.

Note: Students with credit for PSY 279 Psychology of Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics may not take this course for credit

PSY 381 Psychology of Human Development: Children (3)

A study of the development of children to age 12. This study includes an examination of the biological, cognitive,
social, and spiritual growth of children. Topics include perception, sensory abilities, cognition, language acquisition,
attachment and social relationships, and spiritual development.

PSY 382 Psychology of Human Development: Adolescents (3)

A study of the developmental processes during adolescence. Consideration is given to such areas as physical,
cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual growth, and identity formation. Current concepts, issues, and research of
adolescent development are stressed.

PSY 383 Psychology of Human Development: Adults (3)

The study of normal psychological development from emerging adulthood through older adulthood. The study
includes such topics as theories of adulthood, methods of research, physiological development, psycho-social
development, intellectual development and learning, personality development, and faith development as well as
issues related to career development, marriage, family, and successful aging.

PSY 393 Specialized Study (3)

Offered occasionally to provide in-depth study in a topic in Psychology that is not covered in regularly scheduled courses.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 401 History of Psychology (3)

An examination of the historical roots of psychology, with particular emphasis on the relationship between socio-cultural context and the emergence of key psychological theories and figures.

Cross-listed: HIS 401 History of Psychology

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 415 Abnormal Psychology (3)

A study of the most common psychopathological and behavioural disorders. In addition to discussing the etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of these disorders, this course will also examine current research and theoretical perspectives on abnormal behaviour, and how behavioural disorders evolve across the human lifespan.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology and the completion of 60 credit hours of study

PSY 430 Human Sexuality (3)

An examination of human sexual behaviour and attitudes toward sexuality. This course will examine current research with particular attention to the interrelated nature of biological, ethical, psychological, and social aspects of human sexuality.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology and the completion of 60 credit hours of study

PSY 441 Contemporary Counselling Issues (3)

This course explores relevant issues encountered when counselling within contemporary society. Divided into three
units, the course addresses ethical issues which guide the practice of counselling, counselling orientation, and some
of the more common counselling issues (e.g. addictions, family violence, grief, and sexual abuse). As available,
various helping agencies within the community are a part of the presentation.

PSY 443 Counselling and Contemporary Society (3)

An examination of counselling theory and practice and its relationship(s) to contemporary North American society, with particular emphasis on diverse and minority groups.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 351 Psychology of Counselling or permission of the instructor

PSY 448 Psychopharmacology (3)

This course will examine the pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders, highlighting the importance of nosology and treatment planning. Attention will be given to the neuroscience of common affective disorders and drugs.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 450 Psychology of Religion (3)

Psychology of religion involves the application of psychological research methods and interpretive frameworks to diverse forms of religion and spirituality, encourages the incorporation of the results of such work into clinical and other applied settings, and fosters constructive dialogue and interchange between psychological study and practice on the one hand and between religious perspectives and institutions on the other. Practical applications in this course will emphasize how Christians can enter into constructive dialogue with the theoretical and empirical literature, examining psychological research from a Christian perspective, and employing, with discernment, the findings of the psychology of religion in their own faith lives.

Cross-listed: RLST 450 Psychology of Religion

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 471 Educational Psychology (3)

This course examines the application of social and psychological principles to the educative process; the role of the communicator and learner; motivation, intelligence, transfer, and measurement of learning; and the influence of cultural values and social structure upon education and educational institutions. Emphasis is also given to application of the principles of psychology to ministry.

Cross-listed: EDUC 471 Educational Psychology

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology

PSY 493 Specialized Study (3)

A seminar offered occasionally to provide in-depth study on a topic in Psychology that is not covered in regularly scheduled courses.

Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours of Psychology and the completion of 60 credit hours of study

About Briercrest

Briercrest College and Seminary is a community of rigorous learning that calls students to seek the kingdom of God, to be shaped profoundly by the Scriptures, and to be formed spiritually and intellectually for lives of service.